API
(Automated Processes Inc.)
Introduction
If there is a professional audio company that makes some of the greatest products in the world of professional music recording that needs no introduction, it is API. API was established as Automated Processes Incorporated in 1969 by Saul Walker, though it had developed its first console earlier. It is one of the true pioneering companies in the world of professional music recording. Some of the greatest microphone preamps, equalization units, compressor/limiters and consoles in the history of professional music recording have been created by the engineers at API. The 500-series in itself, is an invention of the engineers at API. Other innovations from API include the VCA (voltage controlled amplifier), plastic faders, the first computer-programmable console and the first console to use a touch-screen computer. In other words, the engineers at API have helped shape the world of sound and music that we have enjoyed since the late 1960s in a very profound way.
Which products from API that were used by the great engineers and recording studio facilities of the past would be a great fit for the educational space?
Each of the products made by API are legendary and any of the products that we would have used would be perfect for the educational space. In the 500-series, I saw engineers use the 312 microphone preamp, the 560 graphic equalization unit and the 525 compressor/limiter modules. We also had the 550a 3-band equalization module and the company makes a 4-band equalization module— the 550b. Plus, the company makes other fabulous 500-series modules, as well that are certainly worth investigating. The API MC531 monitor controller is a new unit for small or home recording studio facilities, but I know of a number of engineers who use them to do their daily work. API rackmount gear, such as the 2500+ compressor/limiter and the 5500 stereo equalization unit are amazing, plus, we had the 3124V which is a four-channel microphone preamp unit and it is one of my personal favorite pieces of gear, though it is not highlighted here. API consoles have been used in legendary recording studios to record countless hit songs and albums and three of their smaller units— the BOX II, the 1608-II and the 2448 are featured in this article. Their large format Legacy AXS and Vision consoles are state-of-the-art and are some of the very best to ever be constructed for the purpose of recording great music.
Image: The API 312 Microphone Preamp
Image courtesy-- API
Image: The API 560 Equalization Unit
Image courtesy-- API
Image: The API 525 Compressor/Limiter
Image courtesy-- API
Image: The API MC531 Monitor Controller System
Image courtesy-- API
Image: The API 2500+ Stereo Buss Compressor/Limiter
Image courtesy-- API
Image: The API 5500 Equalization Unit
Image courtesy-- API
API 312
Very few units of professional audio gear qualify as legendary staples of the field of music recording, but the API 312 microphone preamp is a true legendary staple. Smooth, clear and sweet, the API 312 is a microphone preamp that I have seen used on a wide variety of sources— drums, electric guitars, piano and vocals. It sounds great on any source. The API 312 is not just incredibly versatile, it is also very easy to use. Keep in mind, the API 312 is a 500-series module and will require the use of compatible 500-series chassis.
API 560
The API 560 graphic equalization module is one of the true legendary offerings from the company that has been around since its inception in 1969. It is truly an equalization unit that can be used to great effect on any source and is a legendary module— along with its parametric siblings the 550a (3-band equalization module) and the 550b (4-band equalization module). Any of these equalization modules would be great fits for the educational space. The 560 graphic equalization module is incredibly easy to use and durable, too, in fact, it’s not uncommon to find vintage modules still in use. Keep in mind, the API 560 is a 500-series module and will require the use of compatible 500-series chassis.
API 525
If there is an underrated module from the API 500-series, it is the API 525 compressor/limiter. It rivals its rackmount rivals for its ease of use, versatility and pure sound. It can be used to great effect on any source— drums, guitars, vocals, etc. The 525 compressor/limiter, much like the 560 graphic equalization unit, is a classic piece of gear that has been produced by the company for most of its incredible history. Keep in mind, the API 525 is a 500-series module and will require the use of compatible 500-series chassis.
API MC531
Of all of the products listed in this brief article, the MC531 monitor controller is the newest in the line-up of products from API. Perfect for use in small recording studio facilities, home recording venues and editing suites, the MC531 has the same sound as the amazing API consoles upon which its circuitry is based. With its small footprint, ease of use and incredible sound, this amazing monitor controller from API is an excellent tool for the educational space.
API 2500+
The API 2500+ is a stereo compressor/limiter that can be used on your mix (buss) or as a submix compressor. It is a rackmount compressor/limiter that has its origins from the legendary API products (such as the 525 compressor/limiter module) of the past. It can be used as a dual-mono compressor, too, which makes it extremely versatile. The API 2500+ is easy to use and just like each of the offerings from API is extremely well-engineered and durable. It would be a great fit for an educational space.
API 5500
It is perhaps easier to think of this magnificent equalization unit as a pair of classic API 550b (4-band) equalization modules working in tandem with one another. Just like the API 2500+ stereo compressor/limiter, it can be used as either a stereo unit, or as a pair of mono units for processing. The technologies at the heart of the unit were developed early in the company’s history. It is also easy to use, very durable and well-engineered. It would be a great fit for the educational space.
Image: API-- The BOX II
Image courtesy-- API
API— The BOX II
The BOX II is a small footprint console with 8 input channels and 16 summing channels. It features a stereo buss compressor, eight open slots for adding 500-series modules for processing and a master monitor section— just like any of its larger format API console brethren. The BOX has become very popular with small recording studio venues, home recording studios and for hobbyists. It would actually be a great fit for the educational space.
Image: API-- 1608-II Console System
Image courtesy-- API
API— 1608-II
The API 1608-II is a small format, traditional analog console that comes in 16, 32 or 48 channel frame sizes. It features 8 busses, 8 auxes and complete center section control. The console comes capable of working in surround sound and features the option to add API’s Final Touch Automation System. It can be expanded through the use of 16-channel expanders. The Final Touch Automation System allows the console to possess full digital audio workstation control. Plus, there are spaces for being able to install additional 500-series modules. The API 1608-II would be an excellent console for the educational space.
Image: API-- 2448 Console System
Image courtesy-- API
API— 2448
The API 2448 is available in three different frame sizes— with 24, 32 and 40-channel console versions available. Like the 1608-II, the 2448 features a microphone preamp on each channel strip, 8 multitrack busses, 8 auxes and complete center section control. It is also capable of working in surround sound, features the option for a stereo buss compressor and allows for the option— just like the 1608-II and its larger siblings— to add API’s Final Touch Automation System, thus giving it, too, full digital audio workstation control. Plus, there are spaces for being able to install additional 500-series modules. The API 2448 would be an excellent console for the educational space, particularly for large-scale facilities.
Why should an educational institution invest in products from API?
Very few companies in any field of endeavor can match the design, engineering, versatility, ease of use and durability that products from API have always possessed since the founding of the company in 1969. Once you purchase a product from API, you may never have to service it throughout the life of your business— in fact, the odds are that their products will outlast your educational space and survive more than a few moves in the process, too. Their friendly customer service and dedication to making the field of music recording a better place for everyone to work in is legendary. When customers purchase products from API, they tend to stay customers for life. If you have ever heard or used an API product, you will know that they have a bold, but clear and creamy sound— a signature that few others will ever possess. It is easy for me to recommend any product from API for the educational space.
If you would like more information about API and the amazing products that were discussed in this article, please use the following links which are listed below.
The following link will take you to the API website where you can learn more about this legendary corporation and also, find an authorized dealer for their fabulous products in your area.
API (Automated Processes Incorporated)
Special Note: Each of the images in this article appear through the courtesy and generosity of the wonderful people at API.
Special Thanks— At The Recording Session Vault Educational Website Project, we would like to take a moment to express our thanks and appreciation to Dave Hintze at API for his time and assistance with this article.